Bronze Tier

Zarin entered the Adventurer’s Guild with a renewed sense of determination. For the past month, he worked tirelessly, taking on regular bronze-ranked quests and tasks to build up his skills and experience. He had spent hours honing his Combat Insight ability, working to read his opponents’ movements faster and with more precision. He’d learned how to manage his stamina better in fights, had his Pain Resistance skill level up after a few too many close calls, and had understood his Gambler of Fate class more thoroughly.

The most important thing he had learned was the proper use of his Fate Dice skill. Early on, the dice’s unpredictability had frustrated him—sometimes it helped, but more often, it seemed to do nothing useful. But after several weeks of trial and error, Zarin had understood how his Luck stat influenced the dice rolls. It wasn’t always about getting the desired number, but the one that was most helpful, even if he didn’t know it at that moment. Sometimes, a lower roll could provide unexpected opportunities, like turning an enemy’s strength into their weakness or giving Zarin enough distraction to escape a dangerous situation.

His Class was still at Level 4, but now he felt that one more guess would push him past this and unlock new abilities for his Gambler of Fate class. He was close; he could feel it.

His first stop was the quest counter where Aera, the Guild’s famously cold receptionist, stood. Zarin had developed a crush on her over the past month. Still, he knew better than to approach her with anything but a professional attitude. He had a plan: impress her with his skills and success, and maybe—just maybe—he’d earn a smile from her one day. For now, though, he focused on showing her he could be an exceptional adventurer.

“Morning, Aera,” Zarin greeted her with confidence. “Any new quests today?”

Aera didn’t look up immediately, sorting through a pile of parchments. When she did glance at him, her expression remained as cold and unreadable as ever. “There are always quests,” she replied smoothly. “Nothing too unusual for Bronze Rank adventurers.” She paused, pulling a parchment from the stack and eyeing it briefly before handing it to him. “This one, however, came in earlier. And the client specifically requested you by name.”

Zarin blinked in surprise. “Requested by name? Who asked for me?”

Aera handed him the parchment. “It’s from a village just a couple of hours from Brellin. They’ve got a problem with a troll and asked for your help.”

A troll? Zarin’s pulse quickened. Trolls were formidable creatures—far beyond the usual pests he’d been dealing with as a Bronze Rank adventurer. However, being requested was a sign that people were noticing him. ‘My reputation is spreading.’

“Trolls are typically Silver Rank quest targets or higher, right?” Zarin asked, feeling both intrigued and nervous.

Aera nodded. “Correct. Trolls are too dangerous for Bronze Rank adventurers, but this is different. It’s a young troll—far weaker than a fully grown one. That’s why this quest is within your rank.”

Zarin’s curiosity deepened. Trolls were solitary, dangerous, and typically far from human settlements. That a young one was near a village made him wonder if something was driving it closer to civilization. According to the report, it was also odd that it had attacked no one yet.

“I’ll take it,” Zarin said after a moment of thought. He knew this could be the challenge that finally pushed him to the next level.

Aera glanced at him. “Are you going to handle this one solo? Some adventurers have asked if you’re forming a party.”

Zarin hesitated briefly. He’d worked with small groups before on some quests, but this one made him want to prove himself alone. If he could take down a troll solo, that would show everyone—including Aera—how capable he was.

“I’ll take it solo,” he said, his tone resolute. “I’ve been training hard, and I’m ready.”

Aera raised an eyebrow slightly but didn’t argue. “Very well. Report back once the job is complete.”

Zarin nodded and took the quest parchment, already imagining the look of respect on Aera’s face when he returned victorious.

---

When Zarin arrived at the village, it was evident that the townspeople were terrified. They darted back and forth, whispering in hushed tones and setting up makeshift barricades around homes. Hastily constructed pens corralled the livestock, and the air was thick with fear. At the center of the commotion, a middle-aged man stood, trying to organize the panicked crowd.

Zarin approached him, trying to project calm authority. “I’m from the Lionhead’s Guild. You asked for help with a troll?”

The man turned to him, his face lined with worry and relief. “Yes, thank the gods, you’re here! We’ve seen it near the forest—a big, terrifying thing. It hasn’t attacked yet, but we’re sure it’s only a matter of time.”

“Where was it last seen?” Zarin asked.

The man pointed toward the dark treeline at the edge of the village. “It’s been staying just beyond the hunting paths. It’s strange, though—it’s been hunting animals but only taking their skins. Leaves the rest of the carcass behind.”

Zarin frowned. He had studied different monsters and knew that Trolls were known to be brutal, devouring anything they could catch. That this one was only skinning animals was strange. “Has it harmed anyone?”

“Not yet,” the man replied, his voice tinged with fear. “But it’s been getting closer to the village every day. Yesterday, it was right at the edge of the fields. The animals are terrified, and the entire village is on edge.”

Zarin processed the information. This troll wasn’t behaving like any he’d read about, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t dangerous. It could still attack at any moment, and the villagers were right to be afraid.

“I’ll deal with it,” Zarin said firmly. “Stay in the village and keep everyone inside.”

The man nodded, looking relieved. “Thank you. We’ve been living in fear since it showed up.”

Zarin made his way toward the forest, the weight of his gear light on his back after weeks of training. As he approached the treeline, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this quest wouldn’t be as straightforward as he’d hoped.

‘What kind of troll only skins animals?’ he wondered as he stepped into the dense woods.

He’d soon find out.